Images

Pakistan and Afghanistan's cricket match brought out the xenophobe in Shoaib Akhtar
Comment

Pakistan and Afghanistan's cricket match brought out the xenophobe in Shoaib Akhtar

The former cricketer released a distasteful video before yesterday's match and Twitter is calling him out on it.
Images Staff
Updated 30 Jun, 2019

Was yesterday's ICC World Cup match a nail-biter or what?

Pakistan won a nervous and thrilling contest with neighbour Afghanistan at Headingley yesterday to lift them to fourth place in the World Cup table; Afghanistan did not go down without a fight and deserve mad respect for that game.

While sport has a uniquely unifying power, it can sometimes also bring out the ugly side in some as things get intense during a game.

This match in particular seems to have exposed the xenophobe in a lot of Pakistanis on social media (PakistanVSNamakHaraams was trending on Twitter so you can imagine...), and that includes former cricketer turned commentator, Shoaib Akhtar.

Right before the match, Akhtar released a short video in which he says that if the ID cards of the Afghan team were checked, we'd discover that most of them are from Peshawar or Karachi and that they could be banned for this.

"We love the people of Afghanistan, we love peace and wanted to help you out. We gave refuge to three million Afghans, we still love you and we're still owning you. But tomorrow there will be no love when Pakistan will take on you guys."

He also said that while India has invested a lot into making Afghanistan a good team, it weren't able to instil maturity in it.

Thankfully, Twitter called him out on his distasteful comments:

There's no place for this kind of discrimination here, nuh uh

This is an excellent question. WHY?

Don't watch it, don't wan't it.

Sometimes ignoring is self-care

Perhaps something to consider?

Here's hoping

It's ironic because back in January, Shoaib had called out Sarfaraz Ahmed for his racist remarks against South Africa’s Andile Phehlukwayoin in a short clip. He later deleted that video.

Comments

Nationalist Jun 30, 2019 02:47pm
How is that racist, he only stated the facts
Recommend
Mishayl Jun 30, 2019 02:50pm
Over reaction as always. There was nothing wrong with what he said. Why all the commotion?
Recommend
Pakistani Jun 30, 2019 02:52pm
Wow it’s mostly statement of fact how much Pakistan helped Afghan Muslim brothers and if Shoiab Akhtar said so what’s wrong. Let’s keep ourself remind good deeds as nation that we helped them.
Recommend
Rohail Jun 30, 2019 02:54pm
So if they make statements regarding Pakistan that are disrespectfull we should stay quite and dont say a word back? Because if we do we are biggots and racist? ANYONE who talks trash about my country we will return the favor we wont hold back.. well done shoaib akhtar you said what was in ur heart
Recommend
Tariq Shah Jun 30, 2019 02:54pm
He is boasting as if he had hosted Afghan Refugees at his personal backyard.
Recommend
Haseeb Jun 30, 2019 02:57pm
Totally disagree! Maybe u should listen to what the Afghan officials, team members and fans are spewing against Pakistan.
Recommend
SkyHawk Jun 30, 2019 03:03pm
Well said Shoaib Akhtar.
Recommend
Jamal Jun 30, 2019 03:11pm
Shoaib is right. Pakistan played a lot in early development of cricket and players in Pakistan. Most of their players played their initial Cricket here. No Afghan cricketer came out yesterday to condemn the shameful behavior of their supporters. As far as the ID card thing goes, a current player part of the Afghan World Cup squad was sent back home when it was discovered that he possess Pakistani ID card.
Recommend
Ram Handa Jun 30, 2019 03:12pm
Great to see the sane minds in Pakistan call him out! Apart from the obvious reasons already stated, also appalling is this business of demanding gratitude for their refugee status! It undo’s all the good work done by so many social and govt workers!
Recommend
wasim ullah khan Jun 30, 2019 03:13pm
Nothing for Shoaib to be apologetic about, he was spot on in his comments.
Recommend
Irfan Jun 30, 2019 03:13pm
Truth is always bitter . Our Afghan brothers were in clash with Pakistani fans and were sharing distasteful videos on social media about Pakistan . Media should present a report on this as well
Recommend
Mark Jun 30, 2019 03:20pm
What a distasteful video! How immature!
Recommend
A Pakistani Jun 30, 2019 03:20pm
Love you Shoaib Very true. I wish our PM thinks like this as well.
Recommend
Dr Haroon Khan Jun 30, 2019 03:28pm
He is not telling any lies. Why is truth so painful
Recommend
Nadeem Khan Jun 30, 2019 03:30pm
Shoaib is right. Every nation have self respect. Afghanistan cricketers played in Pakistan. Please show twitter message of Afghan cricket board CEO and their coach also show videos of Afghans holigans at headingly leads. Don't be blind in trying to be liberal. I ask Dawn to be fair with Pakistan.
Recommend
Salman Jun 30, 2019 03:35pm
Shoaib was right, Afghan gov should take back the afghan refugees
Recommend
Sameer Jun 30, 2019 03:35pm
His comments are distasteful because he is stating the facts. Nadra confirms it. The entire fiasco of what happened in London is clear indication that India has succeeded in creating an alienation that didn't exist between the two nations before. All the more reason to rid Indian presence in Adghanistan. Afghanistan will rise strong and it will rise without dictation from India or Pakistan!
Recommend
Nasir Jun 30, 2019 03:41pm
Unfortunately a lot of people are racist or prejudice - they just don’t know that they are . This is very sad to see - grow up fellow Paks
Recommend
KB Jun 30, 2019 03:43pm
He speaks the truth. Pakistan has done so much for Afghanistan and yet Afghanistan remains anti Pakistan . All the bleeding should get the facts and history straight and stand up for Pakistan .
Recommend
Riaz Jun 30, 2019 03:44pm
Strange that nobody has commented on behaviour of Afghan somcalled supporters in Leeds...May be he was not for off! Remember that the some of these characters at the ground were working for Allies and as such agents that’s why they got entry to uk
Recommend
HAFEEZ KHAN Jun 30, 2019 03:45pm
I am tottly agree with the comments by Shoiab see what happend after match the Afganies attacked the Pakistani fans who were celebrating the gr8 win in there way to sami final place, dont mentioned what ever we done with so called brothers and still feeding them. These afganies changedour culture bring herion and all evil things to our belovedcountry distroyed every thing,
Recommend
Imran Jun 30, 2019 03:49pm
What about Afghans who belittle Pakistan despite our best efforts to give them a home. I
Recommend
Kaleidoscope Jun 30, 2019 03:49pm
Please stop with your pseudo liberalism it’s not needed.
Recommend
Imran Jun 30, 2019 03:49pm
Sometimes the truth hurts and everyone jumps on the moral high ground.
Recommend
Adil Javed Jun 30, 2019 03:51pm
Need to make sure someone with views like this never becomes part of the management team
Recommend
Haider Ali Raza Jun 30, 2019 03:52pm
There is nothing wrong in Shoaib's comments. He is spot on.
Recommend
IMran Jun 30, 2019 03:52pm
A comment being Xenophobe about any Pakistani is like feeding the words to already weak Pakistani position on the world stage. Years of hospitality towards Afghan's has proven them wrong. Its not the first time that Afghan's have misbehaved whose generations were rescued and educated only because we opened our borders/ neighborhood for them.
Recommend
Ali Jun 30, 2019 03:53pm
Where was your article condemning Afghan CEO comments on Pakistan cricket ? If those were not xenophobic or bigoted than neither are Shoaib's comments!
Recommend
syed huzaifa Jun 30, 2019 03:58pm
There was nothing wrong what shoaib said .. stop criticizing your own stars !!
Recommend
Yousuf Amin Jun 30, 2019 04:01pm
First the body shaming comments regarding Sarfaraz and now this irresponsible diatribe against Afghanistan. This man should be banned from TV channels unless he tenders an apology
Recommend
AJ Jun 30, 2019 04:02pm
While Shoaib Akhtar is to be blamed all these modern pseudo twitter intellectuals should also see the back gr in which Shoaib Said all this...
Recommend
thinking Jun 30, 2019 04:05pm
This AKhtar guy has completely lost it. If it was AFg vs Pak match, why bring India into it. If AFg CEO has made statement, where did India come into it? Did BCCI say something about this match? Cant live without poking his nose. And what crush did Pakistan do, they dragged the match till last over. Eat your words now
Recommend
Raja Farhat Abbas Jun 30, 2019 04:09pm
@wasim ullah khan ..I totally agree with you and Shoaib.!
Recommend
Modi Jun 30, 2019 04:14pm
Love you Shoaib. That Afghan captain ruined the day of 1.1 billion Indians yesterday.
Recommend
zaib Jun 30, 2019 04:16pm
i dont agree with shoaib's comments and i think they are very distasteful but have you seen and read what afghan players and management have been saying? I was present at stadium did you see how their supporters turned into hooligans? I honestly have respect for Dawn and specially that you talk sense most of time but you also blow things out of proportion. Did you write anything about what their cricket board said about Pakistan cricket team before game? they wanted us to come to them to learn!
Recommend
Imtiaz Ali Khan Jun 30, 2019 04:19pm
Stop making news out of everything! It's just cricket and he is right! As a Pakistani we have done more for Afghan refugees than anyone, ask about Iran, India what they have done, We have over 5 million afghan brothers and sisters with us and we love them, few bad apples can't make us distance from our Afghan family. Shoaib was spot on! Lots of Love to Afghanistan from Pakistan but not to the corrupt govt of Afghanistan.
Recommend
Bill Jun 30, 2019 04:29pm
He is an odd bird.
Recommend
Taimoor khan Jun 30, 2019 04:29pm
Give it a break will yea!! He was responding to the non sense and garbage from the head if Afghan cricket head saying Pakistan should learn cricket from Afghanistan!!
Recommend
Yawar Jun 30, 2019 04:31pm
Can we connect this pre-match statement to the violence that the Pakistani fans were subjected to by Afghanistan supporters? Mr. Shoaib also needs to show some maturity as their words have the potential to create problems for others.
Recommend
Ahmedj Jun 30, 2019 04:32pm
Quality education does matter in ones personality. Some speedster lacks it.
Recommend
G H A L I B J E E Jun 30, 2019 04:36pm
Shoaib Akhtar was very right, in-fact it was very polite.
Recommend
BettertobeaCannuck Jun 30, 2019 04:37pm
I agree with Shoaib! These people have ruined our country.
Recommend
G H A L I B J E E Jun 30, 2019 04:38pm
We all know what Afghans did outside the stadium to a Pakistani Fan, this team should be banned.
Recommend
G H A L I B J E E Jun 30, 2019 04:38pm
Inzam ul Haq should be banned for coaching Afghanistan team
Recommend
J'Lo Jun 30, 2019 04:39pm
Although Shoaib's response was uncalled for, the earlier statement by Chairman of Afghan Cricket Board was extremely provocative given that Pakistan has played a key role in building Afghanistan's cricket team. Not to mention the refugees that Pakistan has graciously hosted in Pakistan for three decades of which many have been illegally given the nationality.
Recommend
Amer Jun 30, 2019 04:45pm
Uncalled for comments from Shoaib. Really shameful. Most of the Pakistanis dont own this.
Recommend
Cricketer Jun 30, 2019 04:53pm
Why everybody is taunting Shoaib Akhtar? He said the truth and nothing but the truth. If it is hurting someone's feelings then rest assure that truth is always bitter. Those who are labeling it as racist or blah blah, must go and see the attitude of Afghan players and people towards Pakistanis even they had been trained and backed by senior Pakistani sport legends. The Afghans just speak in the tone sick-minded Indians or even worse when they try to copy.
Recommend
Anti-Corruption_Pakistani Jun 30, 2019 04:59pm
In my view, Shoaib Altar has always been a big mouth and publicity seeker, so his recent statement is not unusual. Such people are selfish, attention seekers and want to be the limelight through different means.
Recommend
Fareed N Jun 30, 2019 05:01pm
Truth sometime is bitter. Shoaib Akhtar just laid down the facts. Why should he apologize. Over 3 million were given refuge in Pakistan, sheltered for so many years yet among them we don't find love for Pakistan. Talibans are their home grown insurgents, if Afghan government even with help of America can't control them, don't blame Pakistan.
Recommend
Fr Jun 30, 2019 05:08pm
Complete unnecessary bashing of Shoaib by clueless social justice warriors. His comments were in context of cricket, based on facts and insights he has as being part of the cricketing world, and in reply to Afghanistan cricket’s ceo. At no point did he say anything “xenophobic”, racist, or hurtful.
Recommend
Rashid Jun 30, 2019 05:11pm
Shohaib Akhtar has spoken the truth and stated only the facts, so what is the problem here? The behaviour of the Afghans, inside and outside the cricket stadium proves this, I have always admired a man for speaking his mind and not shying away from the truth.
Recommend
Akil Akhtar Jun 30, 2019 05:13pm
Shoaibs messages are pure nationalism and nothing wrong with it. Why we seem to care more about others than Pakistan.......I think the Afghan behaviour towards Pakistan is far worse.....
Recommend
Asim Jun 30, 2019 05:13pm
ffs, talk about political correctness gone mad. There is nothing wrong with some banter and rivalry. It's what makes the game so interesting!
Recommend
Chacha Jun 30, 2019 05:17pm
I use to like Shoaib Akhter, he lost my respect with this message
Recommend
sufee-achee-bachee Jun 30, 2019 05:18pm
Shoaib was correct. There is nothing to apologize here. This media has gone too PC (politically correct) and many so called journalist or celebrity have joined the band wagon. Shoaib is an honest man he says things the way it is. Good honest brave and still the fastest Rawalpindi Express.
Recommend
Mumtaz Jun 30, 2019 05:23pm
Totally agree with shoaib akhtar..
Recommend
Jimmy Jun 30, 2019 05:30pm
@Mark. He was responding to Afghan cricket board CEO comments. The latter who is an Afghan govt official, had mocked Pakistan cricket and cricketers.
Recommend
SH Jun 30, 2019 05:33pm
It’s outrageous of you to criticize our own stars over Afghanistan who’s fans are the worst bunch of uncivilized hooligans I have ever seen at a Cricket Stadium. They were getting into brawls unnecessarily, acting like criminals breaking things through the entire match. We will get branded with them which is unfortunate because we Do support our team but don’t into physical brawls with other teams - that’s just not Cricket and unsportsmanlike behavior.
Recommend
Jigar Jun 30, 2019 05:34pm
@Mark. How is it immature. He actually says sorry before making the comment.
Recommend
Syed Jun 30, 2019 05:47pm
Shoaib was really racist..Sorry my Afghan brothers...All our heroes including Ghazni(where our history starts) are afghan.Also u r true muslims
Recommend
Mast_Malang Jun 30, 2019 05:53pm
There is nothing wrong in Shoaib's comments. At least he is honest. Afghan's hate Pakistan and that would be News to you. we need more people like Shoaib in Pakistan who are loyal to the country.
Recommend
Ali Jun 30, 2019 05:53pm
He must apologize. This guy has no class, truly disgusting behavior.
Recommend
Abraham D Haque Jun 30, 2019 05:59pm
@syed huzaifa by that standard non reason to criticize Trump either??????
Recommend
Asif Jun 30, 2019 06:11pm
I agree with Shoaib Akhtar on this. Afghan players are not yet mature. They may be fully trained but they are not fully educated. Cricket is Gentlemen's game. So they need to behave like that.
Recommend
Jaan Ali Jun 30, 2019 06:12pm
For the most part, I agree with Shoaib's rant, although not 100%. But hate those who are bashing him for it... because arrogance was started from Afghanistan. Shoaib is just reacting and asking them to remember our help when they came as small kids seeking refuge; and many of them are even born on Pakistani soil as well. So, what has made them so arrogant?
Recommend
VR Jun 30, 2019 06:13pm
Yesterday there were some ugly scenes at Headingly between Pak and Afg fans. We won't see such scenes in an Ind vs Afg match. I have seens hundreds/thousands of Afg people working in Pak owned businesses all over UK (hardly seen any Afg working for an Indian). They share so much, but still there is so much hate. One wonders why.
Recommend
Dr.Sadaf Jun 30, 2019 06:20pm
All the so called liberals on the loose now.
Recommend
Dr.Sadaf Jun 30, 2019 06:23pm
@Ram Handa , have you dealt with refugee crisis in your country, why don’t you take them and experience for yourself the destruction that this act of humanity creates.
Recommend
Alam Jun 30, 2019 06:24pm
Truth is bitter I know ! But Shaoib this was not the appropriate time to respond to their comments ! People and nations took centuries to learn the game and spirit of cricket and the Afghans thought they have learned in a day or two !
Recommend
VR Jun 30, 2019 06:28pm
@Jaan Ali, I am from Azad Kashmir. What makes these Afghan kids so arrogant is Pak "expecting" gratitude. In CWC 2019, tens of thousands of UK born/bred Pak fans are supporting Pak. In 90s, Nasser Hussain tried linking their residency status with their support for Pak, and there was a huge backlash. I do not blame Afg kids, but their board for doing everything to hamper international cricket return to pak at the behest of Indian board, and in India it is all about politics.
Recommend
Sajid Jun 30, 2019 06:36pm
It’s a fact what shoaib said
Recommend
Irtiza Rizvi Jun 30, 2019 06:40pm
What he said was factually correct, albeit choice of words could have been better. Afghans destroyed our social value system
Recommend
Nawaz chaudhary Jun 30, 2019 06:42pm
There is nothing satirical or distasteful. Is it not a fact that Afghan Elite had been living in Pakistan for decades. Have the three million of them not become a part of our National mainstream. Just a benign wit, neither derogatory nor distasteful.
Recommend
Nawaz chaudhary Jun 30, 2019 06:44pm
I support Shoiab. Just a benign witty comment, neither derogatory nor distasteful. Be seen in proper context.
Recommend
Raja Pakistani Jun 30, 2019 06:44pm
Did Ansar-e-Madina ever reminded their favors to the Muhajreen-e-Macca? Brothers fighting brothers. As for the the last game: Congratulation Pakistan Well Played Afghanistan
Recommend
Nawaz chaudhary Jun 30, 2019 06:46pm
Just benign comment, a wit that has been misconstrd as satire or bluff.
Recommend
Raja Pakistani Jun 30, 2019 06:48pm
Shoaib Akhtar's comments creating a wedge between the two brother countries. In short, a racist has been exposed.
Recommend
ASIM Jun 30, 2019 06:50pm
Not to defend him but I think he said this in response to Afghanistan Cricket Board CEO 's statement " "We're currently far better than Pakistan in cricket, and they should ask us for technical, coaching and more support for the betterment of their cricket".
Recommend
Taimoor Ahmed Jun 30, 2019 06:50pm
The way you are criticizing Shoaib, would you criticize those Afghans who used bad words against Pakistan, prompting us to respond back? Have you not seen their overall attitude towards Pakistan? What about the clashes that took place in the stands before and after the match? That is their hate towards us. Afghanistan board's consistent remarks about Pakistani board is what prompted Shoaib to say what he did. We stand by Shoaib. Stop over-reacting! Criticize PTM's anti-Pakistan slogans.
Recommend
Faisal Jun 30, 2019 07:00pm
Shoaib Akhtar does not represent the whole Pakistani nation or Pakistani cricket team. He commented in his own capacity and would repent later for his mischiefs!
Recommend
Zaman Jun 30, 2019 07:04pm
The Afghans availed of opportunities in educating themselves, developing businesses that flourished and consolidated enduring ties by matrimony. They also developed other skills including an interest in cricket. They may have changed their cricketing address to India but that should not diminish Pakistan's contribution. Shoaib Akhtar's comments have to be interpreted in the above context. At stake were a vital two points for ascendancy on the World Cup table.
Recommend
Realist Jun 30, 2019 07:07pm
Have you heard the venom that comes out of the mouths of the our Afghan "brothers and sister"? They are a nation of 35 million unappreciative people. They don't appreciate what we have been doing for their country for the last 40 years.
Recommend
Saad Jun 30, 2019 07:14pm
He has just stated the facts. He was not racist in speaking about the refugee issue.
Recommend
A Jun 30, 2019 07:19pm
I have more respect for this man now.
Recommend
Ahsan Gul Jun 30, 2019 07:35pm
Afghan and people of Pakistan are tied with close geographical boundaries to include our religious commonalities. WE LOVE Afghans and Afghanistan. A few bad apples on both sides cannot disturb our love.
Recommend
Shazia Jun 30, 2019 08:30pm
As far as foreign ID cards there are players on western teams who are dual nationals.
Recommend
Shahid Jun 30, 2019 09:05pm
Don't blame Shoaib Akhtar as his video was nothing but a reaction to what Afghan cricket board CEO said a day ago. And mind your thought by knowing that the CEO did that in an official capacity while Shoaib did not represent any but himself.
Recommend
Masood Jun 30, 2019 09:06pm
Well done Well said Shoaib !
Recommend
Governor Jun 30, 2019 09:08pm
@Tariq Shah , we did though...
Recommend
UM-pak Jun 30, 2019 09:14pm
I stand with shoaib akhter on this. Pakistan first and foremost.
Recommend
Millake Jun 30, 2019 09:39pm
Ofcourse you so called liberal progressive lot are going to cringe but some times the facts need to be stated blatantly, forcefully and honestly to get the message across. When we can criticize our own team we can certainly criticize teams and countries we helped.
Recommend
Ali Khan Jun 30, 2019 11:49pm
There is nothing Xenophobic in what Shoaib has stated. If the author cannot deal with reality, then its really his/her issue. Shoaib is spot on about the latitude, graciousness & generosity we have extended to Afghans for over 30 years. I am a Pashtun & saw them pouring in since 1979. Afghans have been utterly ungracious & we in Pakistan don't owe them anything more. If reader/posters need more evidence, I suggest they take a quick trip to Iran next door & see how the Afghans are treated there.
Recommend
Ali Khan Jun 30, 2019 11:50pm
@Tariq Shah Indeed he did. Pakistan is his country and is justified in airing his views for his country.
Recommend
Ali Jul 01, 2019 12:11am
@Nationalist he doesn't speak for me. I do not help people to get something in return. This is not what my religion teaches me. Afghans are free to express themselves as they like. Shameful and classless behavior by Shoaib.
Recommend
Ali Jul 01, 2019 12:14am
@Haseeb let them why we should stoop to their level? We have helped out the goodness of our own and not as a business deal to get something in return.
Recommend
ABG Jul 01, 2019 12:30am
Its actually the other way around. The cricket match b/w AFG and PAK brought out the xenephobe in Afghans. Yesterday's hooliganism was fully pre planned bu both Afghans and their new friends.. The plane hovering around with anti pak slogans etc.. The ICC should come out of the influence of BCCI and take some real action against this politicizing of Cricket. SA is absolutely right. Stating the facts never means he's xenophobic.
Recommend
Abhi Non Done Jul 01, 2019 12:42am
We Pakistanis all stand with shoaib akhter. There is nothing wrong he said. AFghanis arae the one start fight and called us bad word.
Recommend
Nawaz Khan Jul 01, 2019 12:50am
I will stand with Shoaib Akhter statement. Nothing is wrong. What he said is a really which people should not ignore. Hart’s Off to Shoaib.
Recommend
Zaid Jul 01, 2019 12:53am
What can you expect from uneducated person other than his latest racial video.Actually it was Shoiab Akhtar who started and sparked the whole mess between the two countries.The civilized world hate racist so this guy has brought disgrace to the country.
Recommend
Kirby Jul 01, 2019 12:54am
I am sorry but shameful to see Afghan supporters gang up on Pakistani supporter and brutally beat him up. How does that play in the context of what Shoaib said?
Recommend
Owais Jul 01, 2019 12:56am
Cmon dawn. He is calling out the afghan cricket board president and then merely stating facts. He didn’t say he hates afghanis. To the contrary, he said he loves them and that pakistan should continue to support afghanis. Please be thoughtful and have integrity when publishing this kind of content and don’t give into uneducated/pretentious twiterrati.
Recommend
whoknows Jul 01, 2019 01:06am
controversial but huge overreaction from media and people.
Recommend
Naveed / Zainab Jul 01, 2019 01:28am
I agree with shoaib
Recommend
Nabeel Ahmed Jul 01, 2019 01:57am
Well I'm gonna be very honest with my coments sorry for those who don't like it but in my opinion shoiab said the truth he might be harsh somewhere but to me whatever he said in the past also is true like I said everyone has their own thoughts and sense of humour but shoaib bhai I agree with you
Recommend
Sid Jul 01, 2019 01:59am
@Amer they do own this - he said the right thing !
Recommend
Amin Arab Jul 01, 2019 02:19am
@Tariq Shah what kind of dumb statement is that. When Pakistan cricket team wins do you say we won or they won because technically you did not play on the field
Recommend
Amin Arab Jul 01, 2019 02:21am
@Yousuf Amin he was right on both occasions. He is not on any ones payroll and can say what he feels is right
Recommend
Samia Jul 01, 2019 03:12am
What is distasteful is match fixing and the use of sports arenas for cheep political propaganda!
Recommend
MEDUSA Jul 01, 2019 03:23am
Shoaib is entitled to his personal opinion, some of which is factually correct re Pakistan as a haven to millions of Afghan refugees fleeing the horrific’s of war for three generations. Mini Pakistanis of Afghani background are very disappointed in the Afghan Cricket Chairman’s insulting remarks against the Pakistan cricket team. Instead of criticizing Shoaib’s passion for Pk’s Cricketers, those commenting here should focus on the Chairman’s antagonistic remarks!
Recommend
Shaibi Jul 01, 2019 03:59am
He could have phrased it better but something needed to be said.
Recommend
Tarique Paul Jul 01, 2019 06:10am
In this day and age any remarks regarding race or inferiority should be avoided. Be they in jest or otherwise. There enough divisions in this world without adding more hatred.
Recommend
Shoaib Jul 01, 2019 06:23am
Now that we have seen how the Afghan fans behaved, there is nothing wrong with what he said.
Recommend
Kam Jul 01, 2019 06:53am
He was honest and candid! I respect his opinion right or wrong.
Recommend
Waheed Khan Jul 01, 2019 07:09am
Over reaction from Indians and their vassals.
Recommend
Tamanna Jul 01, 2019 08:39am
He stated the facts. That's it.
Recommend
Amin Jul 01, 2019 09:30am
@Nationalist . "How is that racist, he only stated the facts" -- Not worth discussing further with you I gues :).
Recommend
M.Mudassir Siddiqui Jul 01, 2019 10:29am
was he really racist? again Overreaction
Recommend
Tim Jul 01, 2019 10:53am
If someone had said all that against Pakistan, he or she would be a hero to you guys and you would have canonized him. I am sorry, there is nothing factually wrong with what he said. The post-match events only proved him right.
Recommend
Anonymouseee Jul 01, 2019 10:56am
I totally agree with what Shoaib said.
Recommend
ahsanahsan! Jul 01, 2019 12:23pm
Shoaib was spot on. Nothing wrong with what he said
Recommend
kabeelakhan Jul 01, 2019 12:56pm
shoaib was spot on .
Recommend
helping hands Jul 01, 2019 01:03pm
In all honesty, he is not wrong. Perhaps, a better choice of words could have helped him aptly put his point of view across to people
Recommend
Faisal Jul 01, 2019 01:44pm
he has all the right to express his views. While you may counter his views by giving a parallel argument do not start criticizing every time someone's views don't match with yours!
Recommend
DRTKG Jul 01, 2019 02:18pm
Your story shows a lack of research. Before his speech, the CEO of the afghan cricket board, did comment on how Pakistan should should learn to play from them (I am paraphrasing in a much nicer tone) among other derogatory comments. If you had managed to put two and two together you would have ascertained that this speech was a response to that. Though I would not use the term "Naamak Harm" personally, but i do understand why people used it after witnessing the scenes at the event itself.
Recommend
Naveed Jul 01, 2019 02:44pm
I don’t see any problem with what Shoaib is saying. Did you had a chance to listen to the hateful afghan comments?
Recommend
Rahul Jul 01, 2019 03:11pm
shoaib akhtar is a pm material.
Recommend
Sabir Punjabi Jul 01, 2019 03:22pm
Shoaib Akhtar is a Pakistani citizen and can say whatever he feels right for Pakistan. There is nothing racist all he said were facts. I am speaking from experience. Shoaib is correct 100%.
Recommend
Awami Jul 01, 2019 04:00pm
Shoaib Akhtar has just stated the facts. Why these so called liberals didn’t feel the pain when Afghan cricket board’s head made fun of our cricketers? It surprises me that they feel the pain for others but not for their own country.
Recommend
Majid Jul 01, 2019 04:22pm
Every word Shoaib said is true. Yes, almost all of Afghan players are refugees in Pakistan having NIC belonging to Peshawar. Pakistan have build up Afghanistan and their cricket team. Shoaib comments were in response to Afghan Board CEO who said something derogatory to Pakistan and its cricket team.
Recommend
Mustafa Jul 01, 2019 11:05pm
@Imtiaz Ali Khan thank you dear brother for best comments with best regards
Recommend
Mustafa Jul 01, 2019 11:16pm
As a Afghan refugee Pakistan is my first home i spend most part of my life in Pakistan I love Pakistan like any Pakistani love his country I am ashamed of what happened during match between Afg Pak but I hope the reality of this Fasaad would be clear to both of us that who was behind that. Long live Pak Afghan brotherhood Pakistan Zindabad
Recommend
Trollslayer Jul 02, 2019 10:53am
Shoaib Akhtar could have expressed his personal feelings in a mature and sensitive manner, but he chose to be uncouth. It is obvious from the comments here that most Pakistanis hate Afghans and vice versa.
Recommend
Amna Jul 02, 2019 04:06pm
@Mark HOW??? Learn FACTS
Recommend
Salman Jul 02, 2019 10:57pm
Not at all. Thank you for your effort though, Images Staff. I know, we all have slow days at work.
Recommend
Hnmirza Jul 03, 2019 02:41pm
@Trollslayer Shoaib has always been uncouth. I'm not surprised. One can always express ones views in a civil and diplomatic manner and achieve better results. But he knows no other way, unfortunately.
Recommend

Read This Next

Latest

Most Popular